Terms C-D

C

Capacity Constraint Resources

Where a series of non-bottlenecks, based on the sequence in which they perform their jobs, can act as a constraint.
[Abbreviation: CCR] . In most cases; a shop that is set up by departments can act as a CCR just because of their locations within the plant.

Capacity Requirements Planning

A module of MRPII that calculates the workload for specific machines (or machine codes, work centers) based on
current, projected and forecasted demand. Load is usually based on a % of available hours used. For cell-based plants, the capacity can be figured using the capacity bottleneck for each cell. This
greatly simplifies calculation. In addition, CRP may be used to calculate the number of workers needed to staff a plant or cell. See MRP II

Capital

The sum total of the money invested in fixed assets use for the production of goods or services.

Catch-Ball

A series of discussions between managers and their employees during which data, ideas, and analysis are thrown back
and forth like a ball. This opens productive dialogue throughout the entire company.

Cause-and-Effect Diagram

Also referred to as a "Fishbone" (after its shape), or "Ishikawa" diagram (after its inventor, Kaoru Ishikawa). The diagram
illustrates the main causes and sub-causes leading to an effect (the symptom of unwanted condition). It is one of the Basic Seven Tools of Quality.

Cell

The layout of machines of different types and/or workstations performing different operations in a tight sequence that are
physically and geographically linked, typically in a U-shaped configuration, which makes parts, products or all parts in a product family in single-piece flow and takes advantage of the flexible
deployment of human effort by means of Multi-Machine Working. Cells are contrasted with Functional layout and characterized by:

Consistency of Products run

Consistency of Staffing

Physical Proximity

Physical Linking (where possible)

Customer Focus (where appropriate)

Cellular Manufacturing

1) An approach in which manufacturing work centers [cells] have the total capabilities needed to produce an item or group
of similar items; contrasted with the need to set up work centers on the basis of similar equipment or capabilities, in which case, items must move amongst multiple work centers before they are
completed; the term group technology is sometimes used to distinguish cells that produce a relatively large family [group] of similar items. 2) An alignment of machines in correct process sequence,
where operators remain within the cell and materials are presented to them from outside the cell.

Chaku-Chaku

Meaning load-load in Japanese, this describes a work cell where machines off-load parts automatically so that operators can
take a piece directly from one machine to the next without waiting. [See: Load-Load]

Change Agent

1) A highly motivated person whose demonstrated mission is to move from the now (current) state, to the future state which
is not to be mistaken for the ideal state.

2) One who leads cultural change in an organization. 3) The catalytic force moving firms and value streams out of the world
of inward-looking, batch-and-queue to flexible, customer focused organizations.

Changeover

The installation of a new type of tool in a metal working machine, a different paint in a painting system, a new
plastic resin and a new mold in an injection molding machine, new software in a computer, and so on. The term applies whenever a production device is assigned to perform a different operation. (See
SMED)

Check List (Sheet)

A tool used to ensure that all important steps or actions in an operation have been taken. One of the Basic Seven
Tools of Quality.

Check Points and Control Points

Used in measuring the progress of improvement-related activities between different managerial levels. Check points
represent process-oriented criteria. Control points represent result-oriented criteria. What is the check point to a manager becomes a control point to the next-level manager. For this reason, check
points and control points are also used in policy deployment.

Check Sheet

A simple data-recording device, custom-made by the user, which allows results to be readily interpreted. Not to be
confused with a Checklist (see above.)

Commodity

A physical material or substance, such as food, grains, and metals, which is interchangeable with another product of
the same type. Commodities are purchased for internal consumption or internal use in the service and/or manufacturing of the product. The price of the commodity is subject to supply and
demand.

Common Cause

In statistical quality control, the causes of variation inherent in a process over time.

Company Culture

The informal or formal way work is done, based on the values, beliefs, way of thinking, behaviors, attitudes, management
structure, legacy systems, myths and stories in the organization. Over time, leaders shape the culture. (See KaizenCulture.)

Conflict Resolution

The resolution of a clash between hostile or opposing elements/ideas.

Constant Work in Process (ConWIP)

1) A signaling device that gives instruction for production or conveyance of items in a pull system. This particular system
is best suited for job shop environments where there may be a large number of part, processes, and/or machinery (Functional layout).

2) A communication tool in the "just-in-time" production and inventory control system which authorizes production or
movement. The number of circulating or available ConWIP cards for a particular department is determined by the number of machines available as well as the number of personal available. This number
generally is established and remains unchanged until improvements are made and maintained for a period of time; in this way inventory is kept under control while production is forced to keep pace
with shipment volume. A routine exception to this rule is that managers and workers are continually exhorted to improve their processes and thereby reduce the number of ConWIP cards
required.

Constraint

1) Anything that limits a system from achieving higher performance, or throughput.

2) Alternate: That bottleneck which most severely limit the organization's ability to achieve higher performance relative
its purpose/goal.

Continuous Flow Production

Items are produced and moved from one processing step to the next step one piece or unit at a time. Each process makes only
the one piece/unit that the next process needs, and the transfer batch size is one. Also called "single-piece flow" or "one-piece flow."

Continuous Improvement

The commitment to creating a better product, work environment and business, every day.

Continuous Improvement Firm (CIF)

A firm continuously improving on the value that customers perceive in its products due to improvements in
productivity initiated by the members of the general work force. Productivity in CIF is broadly defined to include all facets of product quality as well as output per worker. A basic operating
principle of the CIF is that improvements in product quality often produce simultaneous reductions in costs. The ultimate competitive goal of the CIF is the ability to produce consumer goods on a
custom basis for almost instantaneous delivery at costs lower than those featured by standard mass production firms. The flexible CIF ideally produces to customer demand. The key to achieving this
flexibility and lower unit cost lies in generalization of the work force.

Continuous Manufacturing

A production process that is characterized by the flow of products through the process. Transformation of the
product happens continuously as the product is transported through the process. Oil refining is an example of continuous manufacturing. Oil flows through pipes and reactors and is refined as it
flows. See Cellular, Discrete and Flow Manufacturing.

Control Chart

A chart with upper and lower control limits within which a machine or process is "in control". Frequently a centerline,
midway between the two limits, helps detect trends toward one or the other. Plotting critical measurements on the chart shows when a machine or process has gone "out of control" and must be adjusted.
One of the Basic Seven Tools of Quality.

Core Process

The process in a manufacturing or service organization that produces the goods or services for external customers on which
the organization depends for its survival.

Covariance

The impact of one variable upon others in the same group.

Cross-Functional Management

The inter-departmental coordination required to realize the strategic and policy goals of a Kaizen and Total Quality
Control (TQC) program. After corporate strategy and planning are determined, top management sets objectives for cross-functional efforts that cut laterally throughout the organization. Cross
functional management is the major organizational tool for realizing TQC improvement goals. Its critical importance lies in its intensive focus on the follow-through to achieve the success of goals
and measures.

Current State Map

A map that helps organizations visualize the current production process and identify sources of waste. If done
correctly the Current State Map will help in organizing lean implementation plans.

Customer, External

An end-user who pays for the product or service delivered by a company, thus generating revenue for the company.
Note: the goal of world-class companies is to "continually delight" this customer, thus creating "an increasing affection" for its products and services. There may be several external customers, all
of whom must be considered by the supplier.

Customer, Internal

The recipient (person, process, or department) of another person's or department's output (product, service or information)
within an organization.

Customer-Supplier Partnership

A long-term relationship between a buyer and supplier characterized by teamwork, mutual confidence, and common goals
regarding customer satisfaction. The supplier is considered an extension of the buyer's organization, based on several commitments. The buyer provides long-term contracts and uses fewer suppliers.
The supplier implements quality assurance processes to limit or eliminate incoming inspection by the buyer. The supplier also helps the buyer reduce costs and improve product and process
designs.

Cycle Time

The normal amount of (clock) time for a product or service to travel through a process to complete an operation. This
in NOT the same as takt time, which is the available time to produce one product at the rate customers are demanding it. If cycle time for every operation in a complete process can be improved to
equal or be less than takt time, (theoretically) products can be made in Single-Piece Flow. Cell cycle time is the time it takes for a part to complete one cycle from raw to finish
good.

D

Data

Bits of information which, when aggregated and analyzed, result in information leading to change and improvement.
Data may be quantitative or qualitative. Data are distinguished from individual opinions, past experiences, biases, and "gut feel".

Deming Cycle

The concept of a continuously rotating wheel used by W. E. Deming to emphasize the necessity of constant interaction
among research, design, production, and sales so as to arrive at an improved quality that satisfies customers. Credited by Edward Deming to Walter Steward of Western Electric (who may have gotten it
from John Dewey), the cycle is a concept of how thinking must proceed to create continuous improvement. The most common form of the cycle consists of four elements — Plan, Do, Check, and Act. Dr.
Deming (before his death, re-termed them — Plan, Do, Investigate, and Adjust. (See PDCA.)

Dependent Events

Events that occur only after a previous event.

Deployment Teams

Groups of people responsible for deploying Lean Enterprise. The group at the top is the “Steering Committee”; the group
that does the analysis for improvement planning is the “Baseline Team” and the implementation teams are “Design Teams”.

Design Approach

Another approach to management improvement. Tries to build a better approach through predetermined goals.

Design for Manufacturability

A process for tailoring a product’s design to a specific manufacturing process.

Characteristics considered, among others:

Manufacturing process capability

Optimum assembly sequence

Optimum assembly process / geometry

Commonality of parts

Simplification of fasteners

Simplified testing methods for point of manufacture verification

Discrete Manufacturing

A process for making product that is made up of several disconnected steps (i.e. the connection is based on routing or use
of transport mechanisms). Transformation of the product takes place in “steps”. The steps are usually based on machines, operations or stations in the manufacturing process.